Our Lady of the Rockies (OLR), a K-8 non-denominational Christian school which has operated in the Midland area since 1983, will have its last day March 3.
The decision was made recently by the private school's ownership, the nonprofit Independent Education Group, based on dwindling enrollment and unexpected repair
needs to the 104-year-old school building, Principal/teacher Elizabeth Nilsson said in an interview this week.
The school has 30 students.
The families, who come from all over the city, have all been told and are seeking different schools in the area. OLR is not recommending any particular school.
Nilsson said it isn't easy for parents, many of whom have watched several of their children go through OLR.
“It's heartbreaking,” she said. “This school has been part of the Westside.”
OLR has had as many as 90 students, but the typical enrollment was 60 to 65 until about the last five years, she said. During that time, with a weak economy, the
numbers have dropped each year.
The school has six staff members.
Constructed in 1902 at 815 S. 25th St., OLR's building originally housed Midland Elementary. The District 11 school moved to a new building off Broadway Street
in 1956.
Nilsson expressed concern about how the impact a news article might have. “We want to focus these last few weeks on making this as easy and seamless as
possible,” she said.